Christopher J. Wachter

christopher wachter

October 8, 1958 ~ September 7, 2022

Born in: Queens, NY
Resided in: Islip, NY

Christopher J. Wachter – beloved son, brother, husband, father, Pop-Pop and friend – passed away on September 7, 2022. 

Chris was born on October 8, 1958 in Queens, New York to Mary Anne and Richard Wachter.  He graduated from Commack North High School where he met Camille, his sweetheart and wife of 42 years.  Together, their loving family grew to include two children and six grandchildren.

Chris spent his life living and working along the waters of Long Island. In 1972, at age 14, his love of horsepower and the sea steered him to start an outboard repair business with his father, Dick Wachter.  50 years later, American Marine is a fixture in the Long Island boating community now run by his son Keith.  Never was the smile on Chris’s face bigger than when he was enjoying time on his boat with family and friends.

His repair skills and lead foot also fueled his lifelong passion for classic cars and auto racing.  In his earlier days you could find him in the garage turning wrenches or at car shows displaying his meticulously restored Camaros.  He also found joy adventuring with family and friends on his Harley.  Later in life you could count on him watching the NASCAR race each Sunday, an event he enjoyed sharing with his grandkids. 

Chris is survived by his wife, Camille; their children Keith and Janine; six grandchildren, Christopher, Matthew, Adelaide, Thomas, Eloise and Otto; his mother Mary Anne; sister Jean and brother Paul.

Services

Visitation: September 14, 2022 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787


Second Visitation: September 14, 2022 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787


Private Cremation:

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Dear Maryanne,,
    Our hearts are saddened by the loss of your son, Christopher! Your St. Louis family sends all our love and prayers to the Wachter/Burke family. I wish we could be there to offer comfort to all of you. Know that we are there in spirit.
    Love, Maureen, Dan, Eric, Emilie, and Maggie, Olivia, Mary, Claudia and Michael

  2. candleDear Cammie, Keith, Janine, MaryAnne, Paul, Jeannie and the entire Wachter Family,
    We are so very saddened to hear of our dear cousin Chris’s passing. We extend our sincere condolences to you all. Always generous and kind, may his memory be a blessing.
    Love,
    Peggy, John, Sean & Liam Slattery

    “Take him and cut him out in little stars,
    And he will make the face of heaven so fine
    That all the world will be in love with the night”
    William Shakespeare

  3. candleIn our sorrow, let us remember and draw strength from the light of Chris’ example..

    May “flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest.”

    The void you leave will never be filled.

    Your legacy will never forget the principles which you past down which made you he man you were.

    You are missed!

  4. candleOur hearts are broken for the wachter family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the wonderful memories full your hearts for the rest of your lives

  5. Praying for my long time boating friend Chris and the entire Wachter Family. Such a Great man and blessed to know and work with you for over 50 years. But I know you and your Dad’s traits will be continued by your wonderful Kids !

    Joanne & Jim Wickey

  6. Thinking of all of you during this time. He will be missed! I have many fond memories of Mr. Wachter at your house during college and the weekends I would spend there while living in NYC. I love you all!

  7. Cammie, I am so very sorry to hear of Chris’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family. May he forever Rest In Peace.

  8. The Gaede and Abinette families are saddened to hear of Chris’ passing. May you find comfort in knowing we are thinking of you in Virginia.

  9. To the Wachter family, I am truly heartbroken for your loss. The bond your family has and the time I was able to be a part of it is something I will never forget. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  10. I have so many good memories of fun times working at American Marine plus boating, camping and so much more with the Wachter family over my lifetime. I’m sorry to hear of Chris’s loss and wish you all comfort and peace at this time.

  11. candleDear Cammie, Keith, Maryanne, Janine and the Wachter Family
    We are so very sorry and heart broken to hear about the passing of Chris.
    Chris was one of the nicest guys you would ever meet and such a pleasure to be around.
    Our deepest love, thoughts and prayers are with you!
    Allan and Barbara Schroeder


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